The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1919

Her teaching stint had entered its final two days.

In an effort to leave the children with the best possible learning environment,

Stella had specifically asked Clay to bring over several willow saplings, planting them in a ring around the playground.

By the time she finished, the sky had already grown dark.

"Stella, there's a heavy rainstorm coming tonight. Make sure you head back early,"

the principal kindly reminded her as he led the workers away.

The soil in their region was relatively loose; heavy rain easily triggered mudslides and flash floods.

"I know."

Stella crouched on the ground, brushing the dirt off her hands. Looking at the willow branches swaying in the wind, her heart swelled with joy.

She had no idea when she would ever return.

She hoped that whenever the students looked at the willows, they would think of her.

Cleaning up her scattered tools, she shot a glance at the overcast sky and hurried back to the office to pack up her things.

Just as she stepped out with her backpack, she ran into one of her students.

"Why did you come back?" Stella asked, looking at her in confusion.

"I forgot my homework." The student clutched the notebook to her chest like a precious treasure, her smudged face covered in sweat.

Stella remembered this girl. She lived quite far from the school; a round trip took at least an hour.

By the looks of it, she had run the whole way here.

If she headed back now, she was guaranteed to get caught in the storm.

"I have to go now, Stella." After giving a polite bow, the student turned to run.

"Wait." Stella stopped her, stepping forward and taking the girl's hand. "It's about to pour, and the roads might not be safe. Why don't you stay with me tonight?"

"I can't."

The student shook her head, her eyes brimming with tears. "My grandma is home alone. If I don't go back, she won't be able to get around.

The power always goes out during storms, and she gets scared.

Don't worry about me, I can make it."

Seeing the child's innocent determination, Stella was reminded of the kids back in Lamplighter Village. Terrified something might happen to her, she said softly, "I'll walk you home."

"Let's go."

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